RecruitingInterventional

Personalising ADHD medication treatment for children and young people

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects attention, activity levels, and behaviour. While medicines can help, finding the right one can involve frustrating trial and error. The PETRA study is testing an online decision tool designed to help families and doctors choose the best ADHD medicine for each child's unique needs. The trial is open to young people aged 6 to 17 who have an ADHD diagnosis and are waiting to start medication. Participants are randomly placed into one of three groups: one using the personalised tool, one using a standard evidence tool, or one receiving usual NHS care. Taking part involves completing online questionnaires, having regular phone check-ins, and attending routine hospital check-ups over 24 weeks. The study is run by the University of Southampton and aims to improve how ADHD treatments are chosen in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

102

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2027

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

What is this study about?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that can affect a child's concentration, impulse control, and energy levels. For many children and teenagers, medication can make a big difference in daily life and school. However, every child reacts differently to medicines. Currently, doctors and families often have to try several different prescriptions before finding one that works well without causing bothersome side effects.

To help solve this problem, researchers have created an online system called PETRA. This digital tool is designed to support shared decision-making. It looks at a young person's specific traits, symptoms, and health background to help their doctor and family choose the most suitable ADHD medicine right from the start.

This clinical trial is running across two NHS hospitals in England to see if using PETRA is practical, acceptable to families, and better than standard care. By joining, families help researchers understand whether this personalised approach can reduce the need to swap medicines and improve quality of life for children with ADHD.

Key takeaways

The study tests an online tool called PETRA to help personalise ADHD medication choices for young people.
Open to children aged 6 to 17 diagnosed with ADHD who are waiting to start medication.
Involves regular clinic visits, a quick daily online question, and monthly 15-minute phone calls.
Participation lasts for around 24 weeks alongside routine NHS care.
Taking part is voluntary and will not affect your right to standard NHS treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to children and young people aged 6 to 17 who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD by a doctor or clinical team. To take part, the child must currently be on an NHS waiting list to start ADHD medication for the first time.

A parent or legal guardian must also take part alongside their child. The parent or carer needs to have access to the internet and an email address, be familiar with their child's medical history, and understand written English well enough to complete online forms and use the digital system.

Children cannot take part if they have health conditions that make ADHD medicines unsafe. This includes certain heart or blood pressure problems, such as high blood pressure or a very fast heart rate. Young people who are dealing with active psychosis, mania, substance misuse issues, or who are at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others will also not be able to join, as these conditions need different immediate care.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child is aged between 6 and 17 years old.
My child has a confirmed medical diagnosis of ADHD.
My child is currently waiting to start ADHD medication.
I am a parent or legal guardian with access to the internet and an email address.
My child does not have untreated heart or blood pressure problems.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for about 24 weeks (6 months). After signing up online, you and your child will be randomly placed by a computer into one of three groups: using the personalised PETRA tool, using a standard evidence-based tool, or receiving usual NHS care without a digital tool.

You will attend your normal hospital clinic appointment where routine physical checks—such as height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure—are carried out, and the doctor will prescribe an ADHD medication. Once treatment begins, parents answer one quick question online each day about whether the medicine was taken. A researcher will also call you every four weeks for a 15-minute check-in to see how things are going and note any side effects. You will have routine clinic follow-ups and complete online surveys about symptoms and wellbeing at around 12 and 24 weeks. A small number of families may also be invited to a short interview to share their thoughts on the study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining is that the decision tools may help your doctor find an effective ADHD medicine more quickly, potentially reducing unwanted side effects and the need to switch tablets. You will also get a thorough review of your child's symptoms and wellbeing. The study involves very low physical risk because all medicines are prescribed and monitored by your normal NHS team. The main drawback is the time needed to fill out surveys and take phone calls. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your child's standard NHS care.

Locations (1)

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Approximate
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Common questions

Does my child have to take a specific medication?

No. The doctor will still make the final prescribing decision with you and your child. The study tool simply helps guide that choice.

Will taking part cost anything?

No, taking part is free, and your child's care remains part of the NHS.

Can we leave the study if we change our minds?

Yes, you can leave the study at any point. Doing so will never affect your child's normal medical care or relationship with their doctors.

What equipment do I need to take part?

You only need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access and a working email address to fill in the questionnaires.

What happens if my child gets side effects?

You will report side effects during your regular phone check-ins, but you can also contact your child's prescribing doctor or clinic at any time, just like normal.

How to find out more

Samuele Cortese

Samuele.Cortese@soton.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.